So, in a final effort to boost my readership numbers before I return from my American travels and (probably) wind up this blog, I'm reduced to the crude art of the top ten list.
Here are my top ten most loved things about America:
1. The sense of space. I've definitely appreciated (particularly coming from London) the benefits of city living without all the associated pressures caused by high levels of over-crowding e.g. a house with windows on all sides, a garage, always being able to find a seat on the tube...
2. The optimism. Its a cliche' but its true. Americans are naturally optimistic people, who believe the best days are just around the corner. And it seems to run right through the social strata from Harvard professors to taxi drivers.
3. The mythology surrounding its leaders. As Brits we have Churchill and to a lesser extent Cromwell (though both were divisive) but neither is celebrated in British national culture the same way the Americans celebrate the memory of their great leaders: Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Reagan. These men have come to represent something greater than their individual presidencies - they symbolise American greatness itself
4. Steak/ burgers. The Americans know how to cook red meat - simple as that. I don't think I've had an average burger since I've arrived (hence the weight gain).
5. Cities with identity. Whether its Boston's sense of New England exceptionalism, New York's cultural elitism, Washington's addiction to power, LA's razzmatazz, or Chicago's cool sophistication, American cities are imbibed with a strong sense of their own identity (in sharp contrast to the sameness of many European cities)
6. History. Americans' intimate knowledge of their own nation's history puts my own understanding of British history to shame. Partly, I tell myself, that's because America is a much younger nation than Britain. But its also because America's early history (as a Republic forged out of a struggle for independence) continues to play out in contemporary political debates in a way that just doesn't happen in the UK. The Tea Party's attempts to co-opt the spirit of the founding fathers is just the latest example of this
7. Toy shops. In contrast to their slightly underwhelming English counterparts, American toy-shops are wonderful, extravagant Willy Wonkerish affairs, providing a space for children to come together, play and wreak havoc. They are America's equivalent to Sure Start centres
8. Democratic checks and balances. In Britain, we have become used to the Executive, once voted into office, being able to more or less pass whatever legislation it wants, regardless of the wishes of Parliament. The American Legislature, on the other hand, has extraordinary powers to reign in the power of the President, particularly when the opposing Party holds a majority in one of the two elected chambers. Most amazingly, it is the Legislature, rather than the Executive, that is tasked with agreeing the national budget. (Of course this could also be construed as a weakness).
9. Movies. The US film industry has continued to churn out a string of brilliant movies over the last year from 'The Social Network' to 'Inside Job' to 'Black Swan' to 'The Fighter'. Forget trendy 'art-house' cinema. The formulaic American blockbuster still rules the roost.
10. Baby appreciation. Americans love to coo at babies. Obviously my daugher is exceptionally bright and pretty for one so young but nonetheless I feel that the level of admiration she attracts this side of the Atlantic is unlikely to be repeated once she returns to London...
